Image credit: Hitachi Energy

Hitachi Energy in Brazil has produced and delivered the largest set of transformers in its national history for a major HVDC interconnection project in Saudi Arabia. Manufactured at the Guarulhos plant in São Paulo, the 14 transformers feature Asymmetric Light HVDC technology, allowing more compact, sustainable, and environmentally friendly installations.

Each unit delivers 580 MVA at 380 kV, weighs 342 tons for transport, and surpasses 512 tons when fully installed. Designed to operate for over 30 years in diverse climates, the complete HVDC system will achieve a total capacity of 9 GW, enabling efficient long-distance energy transmission.

Transport logistics have been complex: the transformers are moved from Guarulhos to the Port of Itajaí (RJ) at low speeds to prevent damage. Alexandre Malveiro, Hub Manager for Latin America at Hitachi Energy, highlighted the precision required to synchronize the transport tractors and avoid overloading equipment.

Saudi technical teams audited and certified the Brazilian production, reinforcing Brazil’s industrial expertise in global energy projects. Full delivery is expected by September 2026, with the system going into operation in 2027, marking a major step in modernizing the region’s energy infrastructure.

Source: hitachienergy.com